WB SIR: ECI Tells SC Claims of Mass Voter Deletions Are ‘Exaggerated’ and Driven by ‘Political Narratives’
In a counter-affidavit filed in response to a PIL by Trinamool Congress MP Dola Sen, the ECI defended its June 24 and October 27 SIR orders as constitutionally authorised, long-established, and essential for maintaining the accuracy and integrity of electoral rolls
ECI informed the SC that claims of large-scale voter deletion in West Bengal’s Special Intensive Revision were overstated and guided by political motives
The Election Commission of India has told the Supreme Court that allegations of large-scale deletion of voters in West Bengal during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls are “highly exaggerated” and being pushed to serve “vested political interests.”
In a counter-affidavit filed in response to a PIL by Trinamool Congress MP Dola Sen, the Commission defended its June 24 and October 27 SIR orders as constitutionally authorised, long-established, and essential for maintaining the accuracy and integrity of electoral rolls. The ECI cited Article 324 of the Constitution and Sections 15, 21 and 23 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 to assert its power to conduct such revisions whenever necessary.
The affidavit underscored that Special Intensive Revisions have been part of India’s electoral framework since the 1950s. The ECI pointed to past nationwide revisions in 1962–66, 1983–87, 1992–93, 2002 and 2004, noting that the present exercise is a continuation of the same constitutional mandate.
Responding to allegations that the SIR will disenfranchise genuine electors, the Commission said the petition’s claims are “incorrect and denied in totality.” The ECI stressed that no voter can be removed without following due procedure and that the SIR guidelines themselves include safeguards to ensure inclusiveness and prevent wrongful deletions.
The affidavit also revealed that 99.77 percent of existing electors in West Bengal have already been supplied pre-filled enumeration forms, and 70.14 percent of filled-in forms have been received. These figures, the Commission said, show that allegations of widespread errors or mass disenfranchisement “are highly exaggerated.”
The ECI reiterated that Booth Level Officers are required to make repeated visits and leave notices when houses are locked, and that they are prohibited from collecting any documents from electors; an additional safeguard introduced in the October 27 Phase-II SIR order. Electors temporarily away from home can have forms submitted by family members or can file online through the ECI portal or mobile app.
The Commission said officials have been specifically directed to ensure elderly persons, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable electors are given all necessary assistance.
The matter will be heard by a bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi on December 9.
The West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (WBPCC), TMC MPs Dola Sen and Mala Roy have also approached the Supreme Court seeking relief against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state.
During a brief hearing, counsel for the WBPCC had submitted that several citizens had approached the party raising concerns about the conduct of the SIR exercise, prompting the move to seek judicial intervention. Counsel had further pointed out that the SIR-related matters are already listed for hearing tomorrow.
Justice Surya Kant, however, noted that the decision to list a matter for hearing is entirely within the prerogative of the Chief Justice of India (CJI), who is the master of the roster.
When the counsel clarified that the SIR case is already reflected in the cause list for tomorrow, i.e. November 11, and that one of the petitions pertains to West Bengal, Justice Kant observed that the Bench is presently seized of the Bihar SIR case. He added that whether the West Bengal SIR matter will also be taken up by the same bench or a different one is for the CJI to decide.
Bench: Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi